Destinations

Bhutan

The exceptionally special Kingdom of Bhutan is a once in a lifetime country to visit for many people. This small landlocked country enjoys spectacular and dramatic scenery with mountains and valleys dominating the landscape.

The government has always managed visitor numbers into the country through a system of high minimum charges for hotels, which also include some taxes (going towards education and such like for the population) as well as a driver, guide and vehicle which in turn, has successfully kept mass tourism development at bay and thus protected the pristine, natural environment of the country.

The Bhutanese people and their culture are a big attraction for visitors to the Kingdom. Many still wear traditional robes and their religious tsechus (festivals) are famous for the colourful dancing displays and archery competitions using traditional bamboo bows.

One very unique aspect of the country is the concept of measuring its success through Gross National Happiness, a concept coined by the 4th King of Bhutan, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, in 1972. The Gross National Happiness Index is therefore a holistic reflection of the general wellbeing of the Bhutanese population moreover than a subjective psychological ranking of ‘happiness’ alone - and this approach really does show in the people's attitude! 

Bhutan makes for a superb destination for a spiritual retreat and a detox from a hectic life. In addition, it is a great place for trekking, mountain biking and white water rafting. All journeys through Bhutan will start and end in Paro, and depending on how much time you have and your interests, there are five main areas to explore; Paro, Punakha, Thimphu, Gangtey and Bumthang but even if you only stay a short while you will definitely get a taste of what a fascinating and special country Bhutan is. 

Please contact your Destination Specialist for more information on +44 (0) 1993 824198

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Bhutan's climate is as varied as its altitudes and, like most of Asia, is affected by monsoons. Read More

Bhutan's climate is as varied as its altitudes and, like most of Asia, is affected by monsoons. Western Bhutan is particularly affected by monsoons that bring between 60 and 90 percent of the region's rainfall. The climate is humid and subtropical in the southern plains and foothills, temperate in the inner Himalayan valleys of the southern and central regions, and cold in the north, with year-round snow on the main Himalayan summits.

Bhutan's generally dry spring starts in early March and lasts until mid-April. Summer weather commences in mid-April with occasional showers and continues through the pre monsoon rains of late June. The summer monsoon lasts from late June through late September with heavy rains from the southwest. It is characterized by bright, sunny days and some early snowfalls at higher elevations.

From late November until March, winter sets in, with frost throughout much of the country and snowfall common above elevations of 3,000 metres. The winter northeast monsoon brings gale-force winds down through High Mountain passes, giving Bhutan its name - Drukyul, which in the Dzongkha language mean Land of the Thunder Dragon. Days are normally warm. Nights can at times be very cool, and winter even below freezing. Monsoon showers occur in summer (Heaviest in July and August), and sometimes even in spring and autumn.

The most visited months are March, April, May, September October and November. During these months you may expect mostly warm sunny days and cool/cold nights. Whereas rain or snow is not usual at these times, it is a possibility.

The temperature in Bhutan can vary greatly between day and night time. The below chart is the average high daytime temperature for Thimpu and Paro. One can expect the low at night to be between 9 and 15 degrees cooler. January and February temperatures are often below zero at night.

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